Can prednisone be used to treat bronchitis?

In this article:

• What is prednisone?
• Does prednisone help with bronchitis?
• How does prednisone help bronchitis?
• Prednisone for bronchitis dosage
• Prednisone side effects
• Other treatments used for bronchitis

In this article

• What is prednisone?
• Does prednisone help with bronchitis?
• How does prednisone help bronchitis?
• Prednisone for bronchitis dosage
• Prednisone side effects
• Other treatments used for bronchitis

Bronchitis is characterized by inflammation of the bronchial tubes, which carry air to the lungs, and often causes wheezing, coughing, and chest tightness. In some cases of chronic bronchitis, a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), symptoms can be more severe. While prednisone is not usually recommended for acute viral bronchitis, it may help reduce inflammation in people with chronic bronchitis flare-ups or exacerbations.

What is prednisone?

Prednisone is a type of medication known as a corticosteroid. It is a prodrug, meaning it is converted into its active form, prednisolone, in the liver. Doctors or healthcare providers prescribe prednisone for various medical conditions to manage inflammation and related symptoms.

Prednisone comes in different forms, including:

• Tablets
• Liquid solutions
• Delayed-release tablets

In addition to some cases of bronchitis, prednisone may be used to treat several conditions, such as:

• Allergic reactions
• Ulcerative colitis
• Crohn’s disease
• Arthritis
• Lupus
• Psoriasis
• Asthma
• Multiple sclerosis
• Certain types of cancer

It’s important to follow a healthcare provider’s instructions when taking prednisone, as it can have various effects on the body. The dosage and duration of corticosteroid therapy will depend on the condition being treated. However, it’s generally used as a short-term treatment. Long-term treatment may be recommended with close supervision from a healthcare provider. 

Does prednisone help with bronchitis?

While many healthcare professionals prescribe prednisone for bronchitis, its effectiveness is debated. As a systemic corticosteroid, it may help treat exacerbations of chronic bronchitis, which are flare-ups of symptoms. However, prednisone is usually not the best option for acute cases, such as those caused by viral infections, but it may help in acute cases when there is underlying asthma or COPD.

The research behind the use of prednisone for bronchitis

One large randomized controlled trial looked at whether oral steroids improved acute cough in otherwise healthy adults. The study included 401 patients with acute lower respiratory tract infections and found no meaningful improvements in the severity or duration of cough compared with placebo. Therefore, systemic corticosteroids probably aren’t beneficial for most cases of acute bronchitis without underlying lung disease.

A systematic review looked at how prednisone treats eosinophilic bronchitis, a type of bronchitis in asthma patients. The results showed that prednisone reduced inflammation markers and improved lung function, as shown by an increase in FEV1 after using a bronchodilator. The study suggests that prednisone can be effective for certain types of asthma-related bronchitis.

While prednisone can be helpful in some situations, some studies indicate it might cause more problems than it solves because of possible side effects. A study with over 24,000 patients found increased risks of side effects like pneumonia, kidney problems, and fractures, even after short-term use. Therefore, healthcare providers may need to consider the benefits and risks before recommending corticosteroids. 

How does prednisone help bronchitis?

Prednisone has anti-inflammatory effects that can help reduce symptoms of bronchitis. When the bronchial tubes are irritated, they become inflamed and produce extra mucus (phlegm or sputum), which can lead to a persistent cough and trouble breathing.

Prednisone helps calm the overactive immune system response that causes airway inflammation. As a result, prednisone may make it easier to breathe and reduce shortness of breath.

Prednisone for bronchitis dosage

The dosage of prednisone for bronchitis often depends on the severity of symptoms and underlying lung conditions. For example, 30 mg once daily for a week might be prescribed for chronic bronchitis. In other cases, a shorter course may be recommended, especially if symptoms are less severe.  

In clinical practice, the dosage of prednisone for bronchitis can vary widely, ranging from 5 to 60 mg per day. A commonly studied regimen is 30 to 40 mg taken once daily for five to seven days. However, a healthcare provider will determine the appropriate dosage based on a person’s overall condition.

When discontinuing prednisone, it is often necessary to taper the dose gradually rather than stopping abruptly, especially after prolonged use. Tapering the dosage helps to prevent withdrawal symptoms and allows the body to adjust by resuming natural cortisol production. 

Prednisone side effects

While prednisone can be effective, it may cause side effects. Side effects of prednisone can range from mild to severe, with many side effects going away as the body adjusts to the medication. Some side effects may persist until after the drug is discontinued. Common side effects may include:

• Increased appetite
• Weight gain
• Insomnia
• Mood swings
• Fluid retention
• Increased blood sugar levels
• High blood pressure
• Indigestion
• Sweating
• Acne

Prednisone may also cause serious side effects that can sometimes require medical attention. These side effects may include: 

• Increased risk of infections
• Low potassium levels
• Stomach ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding
• Severe depression or psychosis
• Decreases in bone density
• Slowed growth and development in children
• Cataracts, glaucoma, and other eye problems

Side effects may vary in intensity and affect individuals differently. Always consult a healthcare provider for medical advice if any concerns or unexpected side effects persist or worsen.

Drug interactions to consider when taking prednisone for bronchitis

Other medications may interact with prednisone. Some interactions can increase or decrease the effects of prednisone or other drugs, leading to potential health risks. Here are a few key interactions to watch out for:

• Anticoagulant agents: Prednisone can increase or decrease the effectiveness of blood thinners like warfarin. This means the risk of bleeding or forming clots might change.
• Antidiabetic agents: Prednisone can raise blood sugar levels, which might require changes to diabetes medications. For those with diabetes, a healthcare provider will likely monitor blood sugar levels more closely.
• CYP3A4 inducers: These drugs speed up the breakdown of prednisone in the liver, reducing its effectiveness. Examples include rifampin (an antibiotic), phenytoin (an anti-seizure medication), and St. John’s Wort (a herbal supplement).
• CYP3A4 inhibitors: These drugs slow down the breakdown of prednisone, increasing the risk of side effects. Examples include ketoconazole (an antifungal medication) and erythromycin (an antibiotic).
• Cyclosporine: When taken together, prednisone and cyclosporine can increase each other’s effects, potentially leading to serious side effects like seizures. 
• NSAIDs: Drugs like ibuprofen, aspirin, and other NSAIDs may increase the risk of stomach problems, such as ulcers or bleeding, when taken with prednisone. It’s important to use these medications with caution. 

Discuss all medications being taken, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements, with your healthcare provider to avoid potential interactions with prednisone.

Other treatments used for bronchitis

There are several treatment options available for bronchitis that may be recommended alongside or in place of prednisone. Depending on the severity and type of bronchitis, healthcare providers might recommend a combination of medications and treatments to help manage symptoms.

Antibiotics

Antibiotics are not typically used for most cases of bronchitis because a virus, not bacteria, usually causes the condition. However, if a bacterial infection is causing the inflammation, antibiotics might be prescribed. Common antibiotics used for bronchitis include amoxicillin and azithromycin.

Bronchodilators

Bronchodilators are medications that help open up the airways in the lungs, making breathing easier. These are often used for people with COPD. Common bronchodilators include albuterol and ipratropium. These medications can be taken through an inhaler or a nebulizer, which turns the medication into a mist that can be inhaled deeply into the lungs.

Expectorants

Expectorants are medications that help thin and loosen mucus in the airways, making it easier to cough up and clear out. Guaifenesin is a common expectorant found in many over-the-counter cough syrups. Drinking plenty of fluids can also help keep the mucus thin and easier to expel.

Other corticosteroids

In addition to prednisone, other corticosteroids might be used to reduce inflammation in the airways. Inhaled corticosteroids like fluticasone and budesonide may help prevent COPD flare-ups before they occur. They deliver the medication directly to the lungs and may have fewer side effects than oral corticosteroids.

Pain relievers and fever reducers

Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen and ibuprofen may help manage the discomfort and reduce fever associated with bronchitis. These medications can ease chest pain from coughing and make it more comfortable to recover.

Oxygen therapy

Oxygen therapy might be necessary for those with severe chronic bronchitis or COPD. It involves using a machine to deliver extra oxygen to the lungs, helping a person breathe more easily and maintain adequate oxygen levels in the blood.

Lifestyle changes and home remedies

In addition to medications, certain lifestyle changes and home remedies may help manage bronchitis symptoms. These include:

• Quitting smoking: Those who smoke may want to consider stopping to help improve lung health and reduce flare-ups.
• Using a humidifier: Adding moisture to the air may help soothe irritated airways and loosen mucus.
• Staying hydrated: Drinking plenty of fluids helps keep mucus thin and easier to cough up.
• Resting: Getting plenty of rest allows the body to heal and recover.

The bottom line

Prednisone can be an effective treatment for bronchitis, but it should be used carefully. The medication is a type of corticosteroid that reduces inflammation, which can help alleviate symptoms like coughing and wheezing. Prednisone might be prescribed if the inflammation is severe or if other treatments haven’t worked. Long-term use of steroids like prednisone may lead to more serious problems, such as weakened bones and an increased risk of infection.

Doctors typically recommend prednisone for short-term use due to these potential side effects. It is important to follow a healthcare provider’s dosage instructions closely to manage the risks.